Blog 4

 Walls

There are 3 main types of framing systems for walls. The first is a stud wall. Stud walls are usually made of wood or light-gauge steel. The standard sizes for them are 2x4 or 2x6. The standard spacing between studs is 12”, 16”, or 24” on center. After framing, plywood or OSB is added. The next main framing system is concrete or masonry walls. These walls are made from brick, stone, or reinforced cement. Although they are very strong and durable, it is more difficult to penetrate them for electrical, HVAC, etc. Structural frame systems are column and beam systems that are infilled with various materials such as stud-walls or insulation panels. The exterior walls in this system are usually insulated, but interior walls are often only insulated for acoustical purposes.

There are 3 traditional materials used for insulation: cellulose, batt, and rigid. Other possible materials to use include recycled paper or blue jeans, natural fibers, and caster oil spray. Vapor barriers are also included in walls to prevent condensation in them. Common exterior materials used include wood shingles, concrete, stucco, and siding. 

Wall Interiors

Gypsum Wallboard(drywall) is most commonly used on the interior of walls. Plaster is also sometimes used. It is more sustainable but more labor-intensive. Wall interiors usually consist of 3 layers: brown, scratch, and finish. There are many ways to finish an interior wall, like paint, tile, wood, brick/stone, and wall textiles. Paint is almost always used on the interior surfaces of the walls. A designer could be more sustainable by considering the VOC(volatile organic compounds) content of the paint, the life cycle of the paint, noise reduction and insulation, scrub ability, and light reflectivity. 

Tile is usually used in more wet areas. It is installed over cement board to avoid water penetration. Tile can be made of many materials, including glass, stone, metal, clay, etc. They also come in many different sizes and shapes. They can add both beauty and direction in a space. They can also dictate the style and influence the culture of a space. 

Wood paneling can be added to wood studs or placed directly over drywall. FSC-certified products are recommended. Wood helps bring a sense of warmth and a natural element to an interior space. Brick and stone can be a continuation of an exterior wall or a decorative finish inside. It is most commonly used to anchor and bring beauty to a fireplace. It helps make it a true focal point in the space. Wall textiles can also be used for acoustical and aesthetic purposes. 

Interior Detailing

Moldings are more commonly referred to as trim. They are used to conceal transitions between perpendicular surfaces and changes in materials. Cornice or Crown is most commonly used in the ceiling-to-wall connection. A chair railing is located one-third up the wall. Casework is built-in furniture. Considerations such as joinery types, materials used, hardware types and more are important to keep consistent with the intent of the design. Different types of walls can also be used for different functions. Acoustical partitions can be used to control noise and sound transmission between spaces. Fire walls are fire-rated partitions. Bearing walls are structural and must be changed by an architect or engineer. 

Doors and Windows

Doors are most commonly made from wood or steel. There are many different designs and configurations that can be used. Windows are also commonly made from wood or metal. Aluminum and steel are often used for interior windows. Doors and windows are a very important part of interior design, especially sustainably. They are the areas that contain the most air leakage. They must be installed and sealed properly.

Steelcase Case Study

I found a case study about how Lord Abbett’s new workplace successfully achieves corporate culture and employee engagement. The company focuses on the importance of in-person collaboration. Their goal is to be an environment that not only increases productivity but also improves the culture and well-being of their employees. They believe that the in-office experience is very valuable. Lord Abbett’s workplace has a wide variety of workspaces to meet the needs of each employee. They have a good balance of collaborative spaces as well as private working stations. They used partitions, especially smaller desk partitions, to provide the privacy needed to be productive at their desks. These partitions can be seen in the images below. They also have a wide variety of workplace styles to provide flexibility and choice, to meet each employees personal needs. Lord Abbett values community in the workplace, which their workplace design reflects.